Coming Along

Raz Gaiale: *grin* Thanks.

Christine C: *immense hugs!* Thank you!!! I think being a storyteller is better too, better to be able to keep the audience's attention than to have a perfect style and lose them. ;) I admit to doing the same when it came to the paragraph issue, it just drove me nuts. I don't think I even own SpellCheck... I do have a dictionary handy. It's really the same case with the grammar, I write the way I talk (yes, I actually talk like this, I'm such a geek). I'm glad you're enjoying it, and thanks again for such a great review, and it also happens to be my hundredth! Deffinately got me into my writing mood again. ^o^

Sandrine Black: Thanks! *huggles* If I find Jack-the-monkey, I'll let you know. And like the review above, thanks for making me smile like mad (my dad actually asked if I was okay.) ;)

FuziPenguine: Thanks. I'm going to get to Jack's darker side too, but it's also going to involve Bootstrap. I'll see what I can do about the pirate bits too. I have a few shorter stories in my mind that can follow this plot line when I'm done, and those will deal a lot more with Jack's more 'pirate-y' side.

Sara: Thanks. I loved Anamaria's character, I think she had a lot more potential than what was given in the movie (and slapping Jack twice was great inspiration).

Mel: *grin* Thanks. I'll see how I can work Gibbs in.

Datiye: Heh, my own version of bootstrap was annoying me, so I slapped him. ;D Yay! Lollies!!!

havoc: Thanks. I'll keep it in mind. I'm starting to get a few odd ideas.

Amazon: Hi! One lolly per person.... Unless you're Nita, apparently.

Ash: Mm-hm. I'm going back to answering only a few reviews now.

Diane: Heehee, thanks. You wouldn't believe how much fun Anamaria and Jack are to write. I'm glad you like them. And I made Bootstrap and asshole, eh? I wanted to slap my own character.

Caelestis: Ooh, nice name. Thanks! More on the way.
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"Which ship is the next target?" Will asked, getting dressed and ignoring Jack's eyes roaming over his body. The captain still lounged in Will's bed, happily watching the younger man move about the cabin.

"None. We stay low for a bit. Let the interest in us go away, an' the thought that we're just an old legend keep us out of trouble."

Will sat on the bed, "So you are worried about the reward."

Jack reached over, pulling Will against him. "Of course not, love. Just wary of any ship comin' from Port Royal. The Pendulum is there to guard them."

"So you're afraid of the Pendulum."

Jack tightened his hold on Will, "Whelp. I'm not afraid of anything."

"Sure."

Sighing, the captain released Will, "Go make sure the crew's up."

**********

The rain had long since gone, leaving a slightly damp deck and a warm sun. The crew had no problem working in the conditions, though a few talked about going for a swim when they dropped anchor again. Jack was at the wheel, looking up from his compass every once in a while to see what the crew was up to.

Around noon, Gibbs came by and offered his flask of rum. "You've been up here a while, Cap'n. You'd best be takin' a break sometime. At least ta get a meal."

Jack grinned and took the offered flask. "I'll rest in a bit, Gibbs. How's everyone doing?"

"As always," Gibbs replied. "But I think Anamaria and Will should have an eye kept on 'em. Look like they're plannin' somethin'."

"First of all," Jack said; "Will doesn't plan things. Second; you're out of rum again."

Gibbs frowned, "But I just filled this..."

Jack grinned, "Sorry, mate."

*************

Jack had just given the wheel over to Anamaria and was sitting nearby, watching the wake of the Pearl behind them. He could see the dark, streamlined shapes of the dolphins playing and smiled to himself. His attention was split between watching the creatures and listening to the approaching footsteps.

"Gibbs thought you might like this," Will said softly, placing a tankard on the rail in front of Jack.

"Mm. Deffinately like this," Jack grinned and put an arm around Will. "But I think I'm likin' this better."

Will rolled his eyes, "You're really not much of a charmer."

"Charmed you."
nd ynd you're always saying that I do stupid things."

Jack smiled, drinking the rum Will had brought. He noticed the younger man's interest in the dolphins below them. "Be at it all day, they will. Playful little critters."

There was another short silence, broken by the sounds of the crew. Other than the immediate and constant tasks, that were normall preformed by two or three, most of the crew were taking breaks. It was too nice a day to do much more than what they all loved; sail and enjoy their freedom.

"How did you meet my father?"

Jack's eyed widened and he looked at Will. "What?"

"I want to know how you met Bootstrap."

"I got that much. Why?"

Will shrugged, "A curiosity? I'm just wondering. I mean, look at how we met."

"I liked the way we met, love."

A wry look was the response Jack recieved and he grinned. Will sighed in exasperation and turned back to the creatures in the water. Jack was vaguely aware that Anamaria had stopped yelling at Cotton's parrot to go away and was most likely listening.

"Well?" Will asked after a few seconds.

"Well, what?"

"Your story."

"I didn't promise a story."

There was a faint sound that sounded somewhat like a snort from Anamaria and Will frowned. Jack turned back to the water, grinning.

"Fine," Will shrugged and made to move.

"What?" Jack grabbed Will's waist and the younger man smiled.

"Since you're not going to say anything, I might as well get back to work. Help Anamaria with cooking again tonight."

Frowning, Jack tried to figure out what the new twist in the game was. Will moved out of Jack's arms and went by the wheel, seeing Anamaria's grin.

"Good lad," the woman said softly. She looked back at the crew. "Gibbs! Your turn."

Will smiled, "You do realize he's going to blame you?"

Anamaria smirked, glancing back at Jack. The captain frowned as he debated if he should pursue Will or not. "Doesn't matter. I just think it's 'bout time someone kept up with his games."

Slinging an arm around around Will's shoulders, Anamaria started to lead the young man away from the wheel while Gibbs took over. She chanced another glance back at Jack and saw the captain's frustration and grinned. "That'll teach him not to give that damned bird any new songs."

************

Jack growled, he hated not having control over something. He was deffinately going to have to teach Anamaria a lesson. And Will.

He grinned at the last thought. "That wasn't fair..."

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Sorry it's short. Leading into something. More soon.